The Art of Prophesying: And the Calling of the Ministry

by William Perkins

Few things are more evident in contemporary churches than the decline in the importance attached to what is said from their pulpits. The deeper tragedy is that in many places the church has become a valley of dry bones. Something is needed to waken the dead and to breathe new life into the people of God. William Perkins (1558-1602) provides basic guidance to help all Christians to read and use the Bible intelligently. He has a particularly powerful message for those who lead God's people and especially those who preach. The Art of Prophesying carries sparks capable of igniting a preacher. It should be beside every minister's desk as a book to turn to again and again.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Church History, Ecclesiology, Religion, Israel

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1592

About the author

William Perkins (1558–1602) was an influential English cleric and Cambridge theologian, receiving both a B.A. and M.A. from the university in 1581 and 1584 respectively, and also one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement in the Church of England during the Elizabethan era. Although not entirely accepting of the Church of England's ecclesiastical practices, Perkins conformed to many of the policies and procedures imposed by the Elizabethan Settlement. He did remain, however, sympathetic to the non-conformist puritans and even faced disciplinary action for his support.

Perkins was a prolific author who penned over forty works, many of which were published posthumously. In addition to writing, he also served as a fellow at Christ's College and as a lecturer at St Andrew's Church in Cambridge. He was a firm proponent of Reformed theology, particularly the supralapsarian theology of Theodore Beza and John Calvin. In addition, he was a staunch defender of Protestant ideals, specifically the five solae with a particular emphasis on solus Christus and sola Scriptura.

Reviews

[Peter Bringe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful both for understanding Puritan sermon and for preaching today. I’ve already been incorporating things from this book in my own preaching.

[Alan Rennê · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma obra pequena, mas extraordinária. Não se trata apenas de um manual homilético. Há de tudo na obra: teologia sistemática, teologia bíblica e apologética, por exemplo. É impressionante a maneira como Perkins aplica as doutrinas ao assunto da interpretação das Escrituras!

Recomendo com entusiasmo!

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito bom!

[Matt Allhands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every preacher and bible study leader will benefit from Perkins' work.

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and practical. Helps to understand the art and science of preaching and public prayer. His homiletical notes were really good.

[Eddie Kaiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for every current or aspiring minister. “The Art of Prophesying” is basically a 16th century crash course on Reformed hermeneutics and homiletics. The role of the “prophet” is to speak partly as the voice of God (in preaching) and partly as the voice of the people (in prayer). Perkins pulls no punches. In “The Calling of the Ministry”, he richly expounds on two biblical texts that speak to privileged office of the pastor. This may be the most impactful book on pastoral ministry that I’ve ever read.

[Clay Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

#23 of 60+ in the Puritan Paperbacks series by Banner of Truth.

This short volume is actually a compilation of two treatises written by William Perkins in Cambridge in the late 16th century. The two pamphlets form the overall structure with the first part dedicated to “The Art of Prophesying” and the second to “The Calling of the Ministry.” My first reaction is that I wish Perkins had allotted even more space to the calling to the ministry. The blurb on the back cover says that “few things are more evident in contemporary churches than the decline in the importance attached to what is said from their pulpits.” It goes on to say, “Something is needed to waken the dead and to breathe new life into the people of God.” I would say that the root cause of the first statement is a lack of qualified pastors. The answer to the second is the exact same thing, qualified pastors.

Ponder the following quotes from the book and compare them to what you see in churches today:

- “The preparation of sermons is an everyday task in the church.” (page 3)
- “Scripture is the exclusive subject of preaching, the only field in which the preacher is to labour.” (page 9)

The amount of pastors out there who wait until Friday to start sermon prep is far more common than those allotting a majority of their week to the cause. The idea of spending time every day is a foreign concept. How could it not be when the aim of many pastors in our churches seems to be empire building rather than proclamation of God’s Word? Further, think about the sermons you can hear around the country these days that are full of comedy, endless anecdotes, and a rush to get through the text so that pastors can spend the majority of time on application and what they really want to talk about versus what the text says. Stop labouring in barren fields. The Word of God is the field pastors should be in and they should spend a majority of their working hours preparing to do so. Neither is true in many churches and that is one reason we have a need for new life to be breathed into the people of God.

But, what is the reason we have ended up with so many pastors that probably should not be in this sacred office? I believe it is because of what Perkins mentions on page 165:

- “First of all let us see the extreme presumption of ministers who rashly enter the ministry. They tread on the holy ground of God with unclean feet, and handle the holy things of God with unwashed hands. For what is it to enter into the ministry but to enter into the changer of the presence of the great King? Should not a man look about him before he comes there?”

Should not a man look about him before he comes there? In other words, examine yourself in depth before you dare step into the ministry. I’m reminded in reading this of the paper Matthew Henry wrote in order to examine himself before accepting ordination into the ministry. If you have the unabridged version of his commentary on the bible, it is included in the biography at the front of volume 1. If you have an abridged version, repent and get the real one so you can read it. This paper he wrote should be mandatory reading for any who aspire to the office of pastor. It’s incredible and he wrote it in his 20s!

A couple more thoughts. Chapter 8, which covers the different varieties of application, is gold. I would guess that 99% of application we hear today is practical but Perkins defines mental, doctrine, reproof, instruction, and correction to go along with the practical application. Also, the summary provided on page 87 is great. It could be the outline of any course on preaching.

To close, I wouldn’t put this volume at the top of my list of Puritan Paperbacks but it’s certainly worth reading for any who are considering the pastorate. If you find yourself already there and wondering if you should be, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to read it either.

[Gabe Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to help with how to read Scripture, what to look for in a pastor and expectations, etc., and it seems like an excellent resource for those who are called to the pastorate as well.

I’ve benefited greatly from it in those areas and gleaned much wisdom while underlining almost every line. This is definitely a keeper and a book to return to over the years.

And you don’t have to desire to be a pastor to read this book! It’s a book for every Christian for sure and Perkins is a really good writer so you’ll definitely have a hard time putting it down. There is much application for every Christian too with an additional/ special application for pastors or those desiring to be pastors.

I’ll close with the verses on the last page:

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD (Psalms 118:26, NASB).

Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3, NASB)

Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1, NASB)

[Glen Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“God justifies only those who repent; he exalts only those who are humbled; he comforts none but the distressed; he has mercy only on those who both know and feel they lack it, and who also know that there is nowhere else to receive it except at his hands. Happy therefore is the person who feels the weight and burden of sin. To him Christ will bring ease and comfort. God's ministers are thus to encourage distressed consciences and to assure them that if, like the prophet, they are so deeply aware of their sins and of God's justice that they cry, 'Woe is me, for I am undone!' just 'then' they are most capable of comfort, and best prepared to receive it. That was what happened to the holy prophet.”

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is just for the Art of Prophesying. I love the Puritans. They have their faults and imperfections but they can rescue us from prevalent mediocrity of ministry in the modern era. Perkins provides a helpful and concise guide for Bible interpretation and sermon preparation. He even includes insight on biblical counseling. Perkins' methods of interpretation combined with a more redemptive historical approach before sermon prep could be gold. It was great to learn about the plain interpretation which lies behind some of the most "plain preaching" that is still effective in writing to this day.

[Xenophon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is two great works by William Perkins in one paperback. I enjoyed both about equally.

If you look at evangelicalism as a circus today, it's largely due to a failure of leadership. That failure of leadership came from a low view of scripture and consequently a low view of the office of minister. This book clearly shows where clergy and laity have both gone wrong and provides a framework for us to return to.

This was not Perkins' intention of course. He simply taught to strengthen the church in his own day, but there is a lot of instruction for our own times here.

[Zack Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I only read ‘The Art of Prophesying’.)

Very useful. The minister’s prophetic task is to speak to the people with the voice of God in preaching, and to speak to God with the voice of the people in public prayer.

His sevenfold categorization of audience is helpful. Should be read after not-a-pope Gregory’s ‘The Pastoral Rule’, as it follows the same tradition.

Terrible book to read in public; people might think you’re a wizard (or worse, a Pentecostal).

[Orlando Terceiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eu realmente me encantei, acredito que nenhum manual quão profundo que seja retira essas diretas e simples palavras do pódio da competição “melhores livros para pastores”... Ele realmente ajuda não só o que recebe o dom da Palavra, mas qualquer que receba o dom do ensino e queira o promover na igreja, sendo homem, mulher, presbítero, diácono ou professora de EBD. Indispensável à todos!

[JT Stead · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are two tracts in this book. The one on preaching or prophesying was great. The chapters on application were the most helpful. Preaching involves: 1) reading the text 2) explaining the meaning it with the use of other scripture 3) gathering a few helpful points of doctrine from the text 4) applying the doctrine to the believers faith and practice.

Soli Deo Gloria.

[Rob Messenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 430 years the title may mislead, but in 65 pages (and for $1.03 on kindle) this is still as helpful a book on preaching to a local congregation as many that are more contemporary, and, in my opinion., more helpful than most, especially for beginning pastor/teachers.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Prophesying by William Perkins was an absolute delight to read. Probably my favorite book on preaching yet. I would commend this to every teacher and preacher of the Word of God. It’s simple but chalk full of biblical wisdom and insight.

[Alex]

Only read “The Art of Prophesying” (pp 1-80). This is a useful little guide for the preacher.

[Seth P · Rating 5 out of 5]

If more American pastors read and applied Perkins' insights today, local churches would be healthier.

[Simon Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of two halves- first part on hermeneutical principles for preaching. The second on the calling and function of a minister. Some challenging content here that will helpfully provoke anyone aspiring to go into the ministry.

[Andrew Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book I wanted to read on the subject of evaluating preaching better. I found the section on “Use and application” including the sub-section on categories of hearers, to be helpful.

[Mark Linton · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The heart of the matter is this:
Preach one Christ,
by Christ,
to the praise of Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria.”

[Jess Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un bon manuel d'introduction sur le ministère de la Parole.
Il ne s'agit pas seulement d'un traité sur la prédication mais l'auteur aborde aussi l'hermeneutique, la vie personnelle du ministre et la conduite de la prière dans le culte.
Pour chacun de ses sujets il existe des ouvrages plus approfondie mais comme introduction Perkins est très bon.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are we so scared of old books. Yet again I’m blown away by the simplicity, profundity and clarity of a Puritan author.
If God has called you to preach…start here.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful primer on the call to ministry and a good basic overview of the duties of the pastoral ministry. Perkins gives a good emphasis on the law/Gospel distinction not only for preaching the Gospel, but also for pastoral counseling and shepherding the flock when preaching the Word. The first few chapters give an overview of the canon of Scripture and basic principles to properly interpret Scripture as well as important tools for sermon preparation. The second half of the book focuses on the call to ministry based on Perkin's exposition of Job 22-23 and Isaiah 6.

Perkins not only addresses some basics for interpreting Scripture but also addresses the necessity of preparation, prayer and study for proclaiming the Word of God. Perkins gives the following categories to further elaborate on the basic two-fold division of preaching and prayer:

I. Preparation and proclamation
II. Preparation: interpretation and division
III. Division: partition and application

Here are some quotes from the book that give some useful highlights of Perkins' method:

Perkins argues the following about the first principle of application for preaching, the law/Gospel distinction:

"The basic principle in application is to know whether the passage is a statement of the law or the gospel. For when the word is preached, the law and the gospel operate differently. The law exposes the disease of sin, and as a side-effect stimulates and stirs it up. But it provides no remedy for it. However the gospel not only teaches us what is to be done, it also has the power of the Holy Spirit joined to it. When we are regenerated by him we receive the strength we need both to believe the Gospel and to do what it commands. The law is, therefore, first in the order of teaching; then comes the gospel" (pg. 61).

"A statement of the law indicates the need for perfect inherent righteousness, of eternal life given through the works of the law, of the sins which are contrary to the law and of the curse that is due to them" (pg. 62).

"By contrast, a statement of the gospel speaks of Christ and his benefits, and of faith being fruitful in good works. For example, 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosover believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life' (John 3:16)" (pg. 62).

"To the hard-hearted the law must be stressed, and its curse stated clearly along with its threats. The difficulty of obtaining deliverance until people are pricked in their heart should also be taught (Matt. 3:7, 19:16, 17; 23:13, 33). But when the beginning of genuine sorrow appears they are to be comforted with the gospel" (pg. 66).

"In relation to those who hear the gospel preached. If anyone is to receive this righteousness in Christ for himself he must seek it where it can be found, namely in both the law and the gospel; not in the gospel alone; but first in the law, and then in the gospel. We must never try to taste the sweetness of the gospel when we have not first swallowed the bitter pill of the law. If, therefore, we want to be declared righteous by the gospel, we must be content first to be pronounced miserable by the law. If we want to be declared righteous in Christ, then we must be content first to be pronounced sinful and unrighteous in ourselves" (pg. 120).

I will conclude with Perkins summary of preaching (see pg. 87 for his basic outline of the elements of preaching):

"The heart of the matter is this; Preach one Christ, by Christ, to the praise of Christ" (pg. 87).

[Bill Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short book on the art of preaching. Whether you have never preached a sermon or have preached for years weekly this book is a great reminder of the foundations for solid biblical preaching. Highly recommend

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fine updating of some good observations from William Perkins in the 16th century.

[Mwansa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prophesying is done a great disservice in the mind of the modern man because of it's minor facet of predicting the future. William Perkins shows that the real value of prophecy is that of God's word to his people in revealing himself to them, this is done through the preaching of God's word and praying the scriptures to the people of God by the Pastor. And what a calling it is. You cannot help but walk away from reading this book in fear and admiration for those that God has called to this ministry.

It is the highest calling a man can have. The revealing of God's word to the people is truly the highest calling God can place upon a man, after all there is no other message in the universe that has such transformative power. The book breaks down the structure and content of the message of the gospel as laid out by the preacher and I was left in awe of the beauty of the scriptures. If I walk away from the preaching of God's word and can only think of the preacher and his eloquence then something crucial has been missed. The transformative power of the gospel is the Holy Spirit through the word and not any 'Star Preacher'.

The need to pray for the Pastor is also something that comes out heavily in this book. The burden that is placed upon him is so great and the emotional and physical tow on him so serious that not praying for him is negligence of the highest calibre. God's work done God's way never lacks God's resources and the way to call on these resources is through diligent prayer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original being published in the late 1500s was the first book on preaching written and published in the English language. By "prophesying," the author refers to preaching as the expounding of Scripture and application of its truth to the congregation. It's an old usage and does not in any way refer to modern day prophesying by various charismatics.

Perkins treats preaching from a pastoral perspective. There are some practical suggestions here and there, but very little space is given to aspects of delivery. He primarily deals with interpreting and expounding Scripture. So it's quite a contrast from so many more modern books on preaching. Perkins throughout promotes a high view of the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, such that preaching including teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction, should all come from the meaning of the passage of Scripture. This high view of Scripture and the presupposition that all aspects of preaching should derive from the natural meaning of the text is what gives this treatment on preaching high value. Even his words on applications have the same assumption.

[James Horgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two works in one. The first, The Art of Prophesying, is a Puritan version of Fee and Stuart's How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Clearly aimed at young Christians, Perkins goes through basic principles of how to read and understand the Bible. These fundamentals have not changed much for evangelicals in the following 400 years!

The latter part of the work encourages ministers to consider the variety of hearers they speak to and to preach from a holy life.

The second work is The Calling of the Ministry. The first part starts from Job 32-33 and considers the character, office, and blessing of the work of a true minister.

The second part, which I found most helpful, expounds Isaiah 6 making the pattern of Isaiah's calling paradigmatic for all ministers, starting with the fear of the Lord, being cleansed by him and then being commissioned to speak on his behalf. A vision of the greatness of the glory of God lies at the heart of all faithful ministry.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are two distinct books (despite the fact that one title looks like a title and the other a subtitle). The Banner of Truth publishes them together, though the first is the especial lodestar of Puritan preaching.

Ignore the word "prophesying" in the title--I don't believe that preaching is what the NT is referring to when it uses the word "prophecy," but that difference doesn't detract from this fact that is in reality a book about preaching. Perkins goes through the nuts and bolts of proper exegesis, then translation into a homiletical form. A lot of what seems or sounds common today was in fact novel when Perkins set pen to paper. The church is far far better because of his work.

The second book in this volume takes its cue from Isaiah's call in ch. 6 of his scroll to show the basis and the power of ministry, rooted in the call of God, a desire to serve, and the cleansing power of the hot coal. Well worth the time to reflect on Perkins' wisdom.